Early Life
Herbert Wertheim was born in Philadelphia in 1939. His early life was marked by challenges, including dyslexia and difficult family circumstances. At 16, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he excelled in physics and chemistry, laying the groundwork for his future career. He was a child of poverty, and dropped out of school in the ninth grade.
Rise to Success
After serving in the Navy, Wertheim pursued education, studying engineering at the University of Florida, later earning a Doctor of Optometry degree. He founded Brain Power Inc., a company that became the world's largest manufacturer of ophthalmic instruments. Wertheim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to invent eyeglass tints that filter out dangerous UV rays. Wertheim began investing the profits from his business into the stock market, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate financial markets. His stock investments became the primary source of his wealth.
Key Business Strategies
Wertheim's business strategy centered on innovation and long-term investment. His company, Brain Power Inc., produced numerous optical-related products, and held over 100 patents. Wertheim's investment strategy was prudent, buying and holding stocks over the long term, which led to significant financial success. Wertheim is also known for his interest in scientific innovation, which is evident in his daily habit of reading patents.
Philanthropy
Wertheim is a dedicated philanthropist, making significant donations to educational institutions. He has donated over $100 million to Florida's public universities. Notable contributions include the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida, and the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego. He and his wife, Nicole, are members of the Giving Pledge, promising to donate a majority of their wealth to charitable causes.